Would you believe me if I said one of the nicest Hotels I have ever stayed at was inside Kruger National Park in South Africa…well I wouldn’t be lying. It only takes one click of a button to have the best experience at Kruger, just book your stay at Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp and let them do the rest! Pure excellence is at the heart of this intimate hideaway on the banks of the Msuthlu riverbed, surrounded only by the sounds of the wild and the unending view of the unspoiled bush.

Our lodge

The Sabi Sabi experience is all inclusive. From the moment we landed at Skukaza, Fred (our Ranger) was waiting for us to help with our bags and show us to our open safari vehicle where literally our safari started. The lodge consisted of only 6 suites, each with a private viewing deck and hot tub overlooking the riverbed and all within Kruger national park so you can spot wildlife continuously.

Our suite was exactly what I look for when we travel. It was decorated in African design, but updated with modern furnishings. It was your own little villa complete with a full bathroom en-suite, indoor and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, but traditional with thatched roofs, romantic mosquito nets draped over the bed and

Not only was the lodge stunning, the service and safari were incredible. An early morning knock at your door from your Ranger was your wakeup call while the kitchen brews hot coffee or tea, and prepares juices alongside an array of muffins, biscuits and other freshly made pastries. This starts off the morning safari. The bush is already alive, and the six of us along with our ranger and tracker pile into our open safari vehicle with eagerness. The tracker watches the road for poo, leaning forward intently to find any print left by a predator during its hunt in the dark. The only sounds this time of day are the hushed discussions in Shangaan between our Ranger and Tracker, and radio between the other vehicle as they work persistently to ensure the best spotting and the closest proximity to Africa’s big five, and boy did they ever deliver! The best part was that they also seemed just as excited to spot the animals as we were, and always asked us when to leave the viewing.

Sundowners

You return mid-morning for breakfast, shortly followed by a guided walking safari through Kruger or the opportunity to opt for a nearby visit to a Shangann village – both of which are spectacular. Lunch is followed by a bit more lounging on our decks or by the pool before heading back to afternoon tea prior to the evening safari.

As the intense heat of the day cools, the animals of the bush become restless, and they begin to move out of the shade of the trees perfect for our viewing. The colors of the sky slowly turn as the sun begins to set, and your Ranger will select a spot where you can stretch your legs and enjoy sundowners (coffee, tea or adult beverage with snacks) alongside the vehicle. Each evening was taken in awe as the sky illuminated in vibrant reds, golds and oranges typical of an African sunset and unknown to us. There is a stillness as the animals sense the transition into a time of increased danger. It is during evening safaris that the nocturnal hunters, such as big cats (my favorite),

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can be spotted as they prepare to hunt their prey that must try to remain alert in order to survive through the night.

Once in for the evening its happy hour at the bar while chef prepares a scrumptious three-course meal and you chat with the other guests about the days’ excitement. Sabi Sabi epitomizes Africa;s lure, and a stay here will never be forgotten.